Cornish contingent celebrate recognition in Londonderry

Dave Crewes, President of the Pan Celtic Festival and Cornish Delegate, (second from right) has welcomed recognition of the Cornish people as an official minority.
Also pictured (from left) are Arwel Roberts and Tegwyn Williams from Wales presenting a new Harp Competition Trophy to Mr Crewes, and Con O Conaill, Chairperson of the International Committe in Londonderry's Guildhall, as part of the 43rd International Pan Celtic Festival which continues until Sunday (April 27),
The trophy was presented in memory of Robin James Jones. — Dave Crewes, President of the Pan Celtic Festival and Cornish Delegate, (second from right) has welcomed recognition of the Cornish people as an official minority. Also pictured (from left) are Arwel Roberts and Tegwyn Williams from Wales presenting a new Harp Competition Trophy to Mr Crewes, and Con O Conaill, Chairperson of the International Committe in Londonderry's Guildhall, as part of the 43rd International Pan Celtic Festival which continues until Sunday (April 27), The trophy was presented in memory of Robin James Jones.

President of the Pan Celtic Festival and Cornish Delegate, Dave Crewes, said: “Today is a great day for me as a Cornish man, after years of setbacks and delays the announcement from Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander is extremely welcomed, placing us Cornish people in line with our cousins in Wales and Scotland. “We can hold our heads high on this significant and proud day in Cornish history, with the knowledge that the world can get ready to recognise this too.”

Londonderry Mayor Martin Reilly said: “Tonight sees the regions of Cornwall, Isle of Man and Brittany host their Festival Club night as part of the schedule in the Pan Celtic Festival and there is sure to be an added air of celebration this evening.

“This announcement is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication from a number of people who have been campaigning for a number of years to get the population of Cornwell the recognition that other people in the Celtic regions of the UK already receive.”

He added: “This decision will also ultimately give Cornish people additional power in the decision making of Government that affects the region and ensure their rights are protected as a national minority under EU law.

“I am delighted we can share in this announcement and recognise the distinct identity of the Cornish people whilst we host a number of Cornish visitors right here in the city this week.”

The Pan Celtic festival continues until Sunday (April 27), with a varied celebration of Celtic Culture through music, language and competition.

The Parade of Nations will take place on Friday at 6pm at Shipquay Street, and each day the Spiegletent will host family activities whilst live music sessions take over from 7.30pm. A full programme is available to view at www.panceltic.ie